The minutes of the previous meeting had been circulated, these were proposed as a correct record by Cllr. A. Beaney, seconded by Cllr. Mrs A. Tanton and unanimously agreed and duly signed by the Chairman, Cllr. S. Denis.

Matters Arising:

Costa Cottage, Tree felling– nothing furtherMillennium Sign and Flag Pole– Letter from Ruckinge PCC, they are willing to have these in the Churchyard. After further discussion it was agreed to write thanking them and accepting their offer. Discussion required to ascertain siting of same.Local Needs Housing – a ceremonial “opening” event was held on 12th September with the Mayor of Ashford “cutting the ribbon” to formally open the development followed by excellent refreshments provided by Mrs M. Sillibourne and Mrs I. Shaw in the Village Hall.Bonfire / Fireworks Event– response from the Insurance Company. Despite this response it was decided not to pursue the idea at Carters Field as a public event but if individuals wish to organise as family event on their land that is up to them.

Tree and Pond Warden Report:

Dr C. Gove gave a very comprehensive report on his work as one of the three Tree Wardens for Ruckinge, The BTCV has now changed its name to TCV. He had obtained several hedging trees from the Woodland Trust and these had been planted in three sites in the Village, at Dragonfly Cottage, Hilcrest and at Horton Green, several projects which are ongoing “Gods Acre” Churchyard survey and the Heritage Trees Project. He has continued to advise parishioners on their trees, and there are tree-planting schemes for Ransley Green, several individuals are carrying out their own planting schemes including Mr Bazell and Mr Archer. “Tree Pruning” training is being given. Several other related schemes including the Dormouse survey are underway. There will be a Tree Planting ceremony on Sunday 2nd December at Ransley Green commemorate the Queens Diamond Jubilee
Tree Wardens are now involved with Highways and he informed Councillors that K.C.C. Highways responsibility now ends at the edge of the tarmac, now if a tree on your property falls across the road and Highways clear it they will charge for clearing and any required road closure.
He then spoke about being a Pond Warden, there are two wardens in the Village. The Great Crested Newt survey continues, and a mammal’s register is being set up. Intereg Funding has been obtained, and a dipping platform will be installed using their funds at Poulton Wood.
TCV Funding for other projects is very short and there is no money available but it is hoped that there may be some from the Tree Council.
Dr Gove was thanked for his very interesting report and he then left the meeting. The meeting was reconvened at 8.55 p.m.

K.C.C. Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way – revisions

Ashford Borough Council, Plan-It

Wicksteed – reminder of Play ground inspection

APEX Annual Review 2011 – 2012

Audit Commission – appointment of external auditor, Littlejohn

Finance:

Notification of completion of the Annual Audit by the Audit Commission, Public Notice of Completion and Right of Inspection posted on Notice Board
Treasurers Account £4,517.25
Income received:
A.B.C. Members grant £242.60 (included in the above)Cheques were approved and drawn:
Mrs M. Shaw, Clerks Salary 1st July 2012 to 30th September 2012 £512.20
PAYE on above £127.80Administration expenses £109.99
Audit Commission, Audit Fees 2011/-2012 £120.00 + VAT £24.00 Total £144.00A cheque for £70.00 had been drawn between meetings for the Sponsored Netball shirts for the Diamond Jubilee Netball competition as agreed at the meeting held on 12th July 2012.

Following the formal adoption by Ashford Borough Council of the Kent version of the “Code of Conduct” on 20th July 2012It was formally proposed by Cllr S. Denis, seconded by Cllr P. Sillibourne:- “To reverse the resolution adopting the ‘N.A.L.C. version of the Code of Conduct’ following the further information which had been received”This was voted upon and unanimously agreed.
It was formally proposed by Cllr S. Denis, seconded by Cllr P. Sillibourne:-“To formally adopt the ‘Kent version of the Code of Conduct’ following the recommendation by Ashford Borough Council Monitoring Officer”.This was put to the vote and unanimously agreed.

Members were reminded that their Declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests must be signed before 28 days of formal adoption.

Carters Field:

The sub-committee had not made much progress with registering the land etc.A working party would spread the road planings on the car park.A person had approached the Parish Council regarding possible use by a junior Rugby Club and had been invited to attend the meeting and put forward his proposals – but he did not attend.

Playground Equipment:

The slide has still not been dismantled yet.

Highways & Byways:

There are two areas which need pot-hole repairs; at the end of Brisley Lane crossroads and opposite the Coal Yard – K.C.C. have been notified twice. Pot-holes now have to be 100 mm deep before they will do anything. The running water outside The Blue Anchor has been looked at by South East Water three times, but the leak is still there.
The Clerk had ordered the Salt Bag for Winter to be positioned as in the Village Hall Car Park.
The signpost area at the bottom of Ash Hill has been cut by contractors, possibly K.C.C. Highways and also at Bromley Green Crossroads.Discussion took place on the PROW Kits Bridge Lane, it was suggested that K.C.C. PROW are written to for an answer regarding the reasons for alterations which were imposed at a very short time span over the Christmas period, which are now causing considerable inconvenience to residents, cyclists and horse-riders and the their reasons for doing this. It was agreed that Councillors compose a letter.

Bromley Green Notice Board:

Cllr Mrs A. Tanton now has the Notice Board, but requires assistance to erect it. It was suggested that a working party be organised.

Web site:

There are 40 – 45 hits per week. Cllr Mrs A. Tanton is now the joint co-ordinator of the site with Cllr Denis.
K.C.C. have a website for people to register their support for a better broadband service [found via this link].
It had been agreed that the Tree and Pond warden could report their activities on the website.
Cllr. Mrs T. Cliffe-Harrison had met a gentleman who is trying to get a better broadband access, it was agreed to have “Broadband Access” on the next agenda

Borough Councillors Report:

Cllr. W. Howard had tendered his apologies. The Chairman had Councillors spoken with him and the situation with Silver Birches is the same as in his previous report.

Any Other Business:

Mr T. Whately has offered to be the “Footpaths Warden”.
Mr Whately and Cllr P. Sillibourne had walked the PROW along Bromley Green Road, this path is in a terrible state at Ashford Demolition and this needs to be reported to K.C.C. PROW.
At the bottom of Dimon Hill on the North side an access has been created and is highly dangerous, this needs to have a properly approved access. To be reported to A.B.C.
Cllr. Mrs A. Tanton had spoken to the resident at “Telavera”, Bromley Green Road, who had requested information regarding a dispute with the adjoining property “Aldworth”. It is not a Parish Council business and apparently is now subject to Legal proceedings.
There are several overgrown hedges in the Parish, letters to be sent to owners at the bottom of Ash Hill, and Sugarloaf Animal sanctuary – the Chairman will draft a letter to be sent.
It was suggested that mini roundabout could be made in Bilsington, Hamstreet and Ruckinge to slow the traffic. Clerk to write to Clerks of those Councils for their opinions..

Date of the Next Meeting:

The date of the next meeting was agreed for Thursday, 11th October 2012 at 8 p.m. in the Village Hall.There being no further business the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 10 p.m.